E.Y. (Yip) Harburg talks about the challenges in writing songs for characters, specifically Og in "Finian's Rainbow". He also discusses the craftsmanship of lyric writing and reads from his book "Rhymes for the Irreverent". Music is heard throughout: "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love" performed by David Wayne and "The Eagle and Me", performed by Dooley Wilson. Part 1
Music has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Studs interviews Wolfgang Rubsam who is performing at the St. Clements Catholic Church in Chicago. They discuss the sounds of the harpsichord, piano, and organ. Rubsam explains how the organ builder and the acoustics in a church affects the sound of the organ. Rubsam talks a little about various teachers he has had and the things he learned from each. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and Studs Terkel read from the book "At This Point in Rhyme". E.Y. Harburg also discusses his thoughts on humanity, how to properly write a song, and the importance of light verse and humor as a basis for everything he creates. Excerpts of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" by the Weavers, and a Broadway recording of "How Are Things in Glocca Morra" are played in the original airing but have been removed from this version for copyright reasons.

E.Y. (Yip) Harburg explains how songwriting needs to use and elevate street language to be successful, why he likes rainbows, and what creators of art and music owe the world. He also reads from his book "Rhymes for the Irreverent". Music is played from Finian's Rainbow: "When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich" and "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?", original Broadway cast recording. Part 2.
Music has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Discussing the origins of three schools of contemporary American music, their influence upon each other, and the new directions composers are taking with their music with composer and trombonist Bill Russo.